Alyssa Thomas was dominant during her four years at the University of Maryland. She is the Terrapins’ all-time leader in scoring, rebounding, and double-doubles across both the women’s and men’s programs.
Thomas’ game has translated very well to the professional ranks. She was drafted fourth overall in 2014 before being traded to the Connecticut Sun, where she has become a star.
Thomas joined WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes on Audacy’s original podcast “Queens of the Court” this week to talk about her game, how hard it is to nearly average a triple-double, her MVP chances, and more.
“On the court, I would say I have an alter ego. When I’m on the court I’m super intense, talking, emotional, really into the game,” Thomas said (33:50 in player above). “Off the court, I’m real laid back, chill, just go with the flow. When I have an off day I’m chilling, watching some movies, sitting outside, relaxing on the beach.”
Thomas doesn’t have a name for her alter ego, but people probably describe it as “The Hulk,” she said. “It’s a flip of the switch type thing for me.”
There are some that think Thomas may cross the line with her intensity, but there’s a difference between playing within the rules and playing dirty.
“There’s a difference between dirty – I’m not out there punching people in their stomach and doing plays,” she said. “Everything I do is legal basketball stuff, but you know, people like to talk.”
While Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson are the two favorites for the WNBA MVP award, you can’t rule out Thomas. She’s not bothered by the noise, though.
“I’m the type of person that’s continue to do my job no matter what, but at the same time, I think it depends on what your definition of MVP is,” she said. “I think right now we’re in an era of basketball where people are so impressed by the number of points that you can put on the board but there’s a reason why triple-doubles didn’t come around so easily for a long time.”
And they still don’t.
Thomas is averaging 15.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game through 38 contests this season. She is nearly averaging a triple-double every night.
“I think people don’t realize what it takes to get one of those on a nightly basis, and the fact that almost every night I’m close to having one,” she said. “I don’t think people understand what it takes to have that kind of statline.”
Thomas has already broken the double-double record this season and has five triple-doubles to boot. While that may not seem to impressive to NBA fans, the four quarters in the WNBA are only 10 minutes long, not 12.
“I think people forget the NBA, everyone seems it’s so simple in there but they have eight more minutes than we do,” she said. “So imagine if we had eight more minutes to our game.”
Thomas is going to continue to do what she can to make an impact each and every night.
“I pride myself on being an all-around player and that’s how I go out each and every night is to go out and impact the game as much as I can.”